234 SWARMING. 



to think, in common with some of my apiarian friends, 

 that some preliminary steps were adopted by the bees 

 in contemplation of swarming, which determined the 

 point so absolutely that no after proceeding on the 

 part of the proprietor could arrest its progress ; that 

 if this step were not taken, neither a crowded popu- 

 lation nor a high temperature would induce a swarm 

 to issue ; and that if it were taken, no accommoda- 

 tion in point of room would prevent it. This theory, 

 which, had it been correct, would probably have led 

 to important practical results, must however be aban- 

 doned, for subsequent reflection and experience have 

 shown that it is not well founded." 



The experience of Bevan, which is that of every 

 practical lee-keeper, very forcibly illustrates the un- 

 certainty attending natural swarm.ing. The follow- 

 ing experiments will in some measure solve the mys- 

 tery and illustrate the principle. 



Take a number of acorns, and plant some in soil 

 having all the elements necessary to induce germina- 

 tion, except that of water ; let others be planted with 

 this element added, but at an undue depth; this 

 would partially deprive them of air and heat ; others 

 again are planted at midsummer, in conditions that 

 would seem to insure their growing, except that it is 

 out of season ; while others are planted so that they 

 have the combined advantages of season, soil and 

 location ; the result is that only the latter planting 

 grow, showing clearly that all things are governed 

 by natural laws, which cannot be violated without 



